A solid work ethic was instilled in Bonnie Biumi from an early age. At 15, while attending high school in Florida, Bonnie created such a positive impression with management at her first job at McDonalds that they made her a manager by 16, and offered to reimburse her college tuition if she continued to work full time with the company. Her parents’ vision for their ambitious daughter did not include work becoming a distraction from her studies so they provided her with the opportunity to focus on solely on her education. A move that paid off handsomely as Bonnie graduated with honors from the University of Florida with a BS in Accounting, later becoming a Certified Public Accountant in the state.
When Bonnie first entered the world of finance it was at a time when men significantly outnumbered women. Nevertheless, she never wavered from her vision of becoming a successful leader in a male-dominated profession. After just 11 years with Price Waterhouse, she rose to the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) with Peoples Telephone Company in Miami, which led to positions of CFO at Neff Corp.; Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary at Royal Caribbean Cruises; and Executive Vice President & CFO at NCL Corporation.
Bonnie’s ambitions extended beyond the realm of a daily job and work routine. Her underpinning desire to serve on a board was thwarted by the volume of work when her first invitation to become a board member for another public company was denied. As President and CFO for Kerzner International Resorts, Inc., a global resort business operating the Atlantis and One&Only brands, Bonnie persevered and became a Board of Director Member for 6 of their companies.
With age comes wisdom. When she turned 50, Bonnie’s personal desire to live a more balanced life led to retirement from her job, but did not quell her passion to serve as a board member. “I retired in the traditional sense, but knew I could not step away entirely.
Bonnie has been the only woman on every board she joined and she is a NACD Board Leadership Fellow. “Bonnie’s extensive experience in corporate finance and accounting, investor relations, capital and strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions brings balance and perspective. She is a great representative for our shareholders and provides exemplary board oversight as well as serving as a member of the audit committee,” said Gary Carano, Executive Chairman of the Board at Eldorado Resorts, Inc. “Her knowledge of corporate governance and Board experience covering multiple industries, including hospitality and gaming, imparts tremendous value to our Company.”
“Having a strong SEC and accounting background allows me to exercise my financial acumen, however, I never forget that my people skills are equally important when it comes to being an influential and effective member of any board,” said Bonnie who is admired for her great personality and genuine love of people. Leading by example and being tough but fair, she has served as mentor to countless employees, many of whom remain in contact. “That is one of the greatest compliments of all,” said Bonnie.
Bonnie was appointed to the Board of Directors at Eldorado Resorts, Inc. in May, 2017 following their merger with Isle of Capri Casinos where she had served as a board member since October 2012.
Bonnie is currently a member of the board of directors of Retail Properties of America, Inc., a publicly-traded company, where she serves as a member of the audit committee and chair of the compensation committee. She was also a member of the board of directors of Home Properties, Inc., a publicly-traded company, from October 2013 to October 2015.